 Dong died in 1882, so at best Cheng studied with Dong for 5 or 6 years.Dong Haichuan was known to have only accepted Baguazhang students who were already skilled in some other style of martial art.It is said that after laying a Bagua foundation with the circle walk practice, single palm change, double palm change, and smooth changing palm, Dong would teach the student Baguazhang based on what the student already knew.